Ras-related protein Rab-8B (RAB8B)

Ras-related protein Rab-8B (RAB8B) is a low molecular mass monomeric GTPase that belongs to the RAS superfamily and is localized on the cytoplasmic surface of specific membrane-bound organelles[1][2][5]. It regulates intracellular membrane trafficking, particularly in vesicle formation, docking, and fusion with target membranes. Rab-8B cycles between an inactive GDP-bound state and an active GTP-bound state, recruiting downstream effectors to mediate vesicular transport, cell polarity, and endosomal export[1][2][5]. It is implicated in polarized vesicular trafficking, neurotransmitter release, autophagosome maturation, cell junction dynamics (notably in Sertoli cells), and antigen presentation[2][3][5]. Dysregulation of RAB8B and related Rab proteins is associated with various diseases, including cancer (where they may affect tumor progression, metastasis, and the tumor microenvironment), hereditary hearing loss, and microvillus inclusion disease[3][1]. Though no approved drugs directly target RAB8B, its regulatory network is an area of interest for potential therapeutic intervention, particularly in oncology[3][4][5].

Other names

Rab8BRas-related protein Rab-8BRAB8Bmember RAS oncogene family

Not established for specific drugs; therapeutic approaches may involve modulation of GTPase regulatory proteins (GEF, GAP, GDI) to influence Rab8B function in vesicular transport[3].